The NTDO’s 2014 Holiday Awards Gala

Enjoy Dianne‘s coverage of last week’s Holiday Party:

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

2014

As we prepare to wrap up 2014, it’s always a pleasure to consider the many wonderful accomplishments of the NTDO and to highlight the many talented, dedicated members who make it all happen! We did a little of this last night (Dec.10) at our annual Holiday Awards Gala!

Rookie of the Year Ron Allen

PC Rookie of the Year Ron Allen

Receiving the first annual PC Rookie of the Year Award was Ron Allen, Precinct 37 Committeeman. Included among his many contributions, were the following:

  • Volunteer Coordinator for Regina Brent’s campaign
  • Participated in the NTDO Communications Outreach effort
  • Wrote two passionate, persuasive Letters to the Editor, calling out selective sign enforcement
  • Volunteered to place signs for Regina’s campaign/then stood watch!
  • Attendance at all NTDO functions
  • Supportive of NTDO/candidate fundraisers
  • Served as a sounding board for candidates as they prepared for endorsement interviews
Yours truly (Steve Kierstead). Thanks again, everybody!

Outstanding Contributor Steve Kierstead (yours truly. Thanks again, everybody!)

Receiving the first NTDO Award for Outstanding Contributions for Over 20 Years was Steve Kierstead. Included among his many contributions were the following:

  • Assisted the DPDC with their first WEB presence….2005…Bill MacLeod, former NTDO Chair
  • “Always interested in building up the organization…a brilliant guy”…Tom Wronski, former NTDO Chair
  • Stayed on as Vice Chair in 2010 to provide continuity for the new NTDO Chair/Exec Bd
  • Serves as Precinct 32 Committeeman
  • Volunteers with candidates and lobbies for issues of importance – Bill Foster, Marriage Equality
  • Shows up for the parades…not his favorite activity, but puts them on his calendar anyway
  • Over all, a consistent, intelligent, and thoughtful leader!
Past and Preset PC-of-the-Year Recipients (and NTDO Chair). L-to-R: Steve Bosco (2013), Carole Kerr (2014), Dianne McGuire (NTDO Chair), Ed Agustin (2012)

Past and Present PC-of-the-Year Recipients (and Dianne). L-to-R: Steve Bosco (2013), Carole Kerr (2014), Dianne McGuire (NTDO Chair), Ed Agustin (2012)

And, finally, our third annual PC of the Year Award went to Precinct 13 Committeewoman, Carole Kerr! In addition to covering her own precinct responsibilities, she took on, with enthusiasm and no previous experience, the Chairmanship of Regina Brent’s campaign for the County Board 5 seat. Having been a candidate myself on 3 occasions, I have some idea of the scope and complexity of orchestrating such an effort. She did it all and then some:

  • Put together a cohesive team effort
  • Personally scheduled and accompanied Regina to various events
  • Waged a fierce sign placement effort
  • Created a “bidding” competition at Regina’s fundraiser
  • Worked on messaging, questionnaires, interviews

You get the idea, I am sure…her persistence, energy, creativity, sincerity, and organizational skills allowed for an amazing campaign for a most worthy candidate!

In closing, I would like to recognize those who are serving with me as officers of the NTDO:

  • Paul Mandrik……..Precinct Director
  • Deanne Sereno…..Treasurer
  • Bob Fine……………..Vice Chair
  • Steve Purduski…..Secretary
  • Rose Johnson…….Precinct Support Specialist (appointed)

Each of these dedicated members of the NTDO goes above and beyond nearly every day in serving the interests of the organization. Two of them have even stepped forward to be on the front lines for the consolidated election on April 7th:

  • Steve Purduski………………Naperville City Council
  • Paul Mandrik……………….Aurora City Council, Ward 8

No doubt we will be hearing from other candidates who will also be seeking our support. These non-partisan races are historically low turn-out races…something less than 20%….so, once again, it’s all about who actually shows up to vote!

So, in conclusion, have a wonderfully delightful Holiday and know how much we appreciate your support and assistance!